The University is changing the start date of the health insurance year to Aug. 1, 2012, to better accommodate the needs of the many students required to be on campus in August. The University will also be enforcing its waiver policy, auditing all waiver requests and requiring enrollment on the University-sponsored plan for students whose information fails audit. A letter to members of the University community is being mailed and can also be found in the pink Quick Links box on the University Health Service website.

Two Eastman Alumni Receive Grammy Awards

Two Eastman School graduates were recognized during the 54th Grammy Awards. Robert (Bob) Ludwig ’66E and ’01E (MM) was honored for Best Surround Sound Album and Christopher Lamb ’81E won for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. Read more ...

President Seligman’s Statement on a Safe Community

“In
the aftermath of disturbing revelations about sexual abuse of minors
alleged to have occurred at Penn State and Syracuse last year, I asked
our Office of Counsel to review reports made at our University during
the past 20 years that might be classified as sexual abuse. The office
has now completed a review of Security and Human Resources records and
had discussions with representatives of Security, Human Resources, the
Deans of Students, the Athletics Department, and others who might have
relevant information. The review has provided me assurance that we
currently have in place systems and people who will effectively address
situations when they are brought to our attention.” Read the full message.

Financial Aid Deadline Reminders

The application deadline for next year’s financial aid is May 1, 2012. Instructions on how to apply for financial aid for the 2012–13 academic year were emailed to student University email addresses in early February. Weekly email reminders will be sent to students throughout the spring semester up until the deadline, and monthly follow-up email reminders will be sent to students who have failed to complete the application by May 1. Returning
students who don’t submit their financial aid applications with all
supporting documentation by May 1 are not guaranteed full consideration
for need-based assistance and may have their aid reduced due to limited
funding. To contact your student’s financial aid counselor with
questions on the application process, visit the Financial Aid Office website.

New Option Aims to Simplify Financial Aid Application Process
There is a new option on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) this year called IRS Data Retrieval, which aims to simplify the application process. In order to utilize the new option, the Financial Aid Office recommends that students file their FAFSAs about two weeks after filing a federal tax return electronically. Read more ...

A Reminder from the Bursar’s Office

Student account balances must be paid in full to participate in the housing lottery and fall 2012 registration. Housing contracts are due April 4, and fall registration begins April 9. For more information, contact the Bursar’s Office at (585) 275-3931 or bursar@admin.rochester.edu.

Benefit Concerts, Instrument Drive Aid City Schools

The Eastman School’s student chapter of the National Association for Music Education is organizing activities to benefit music programs in the Rochester City School District. A two-month instrument drive and a pair of concerts in March are planned to help boost programs for elementary and secondary school students. Read more ...

Etiquette Dinner for Juniors

The Office of Alumni Relations and the 2013 Class Council present this year’s etiquette dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the Meliora Restaurant. Kathleen Powell will present “How to Put the Class in Classy!” in which she will share tips on how to glide through a networking reception as well as a formal multicourse dinner. The program will also include a “dress to impress” fashion show. Tickets are $12 per person and are available for juniors only at the Common Market in Wilson Commons. Read more ...

Spotlight on Diversity: African American Network

The African American Network is a voluntary association of people who share a common interest in embracing diversity, building relationships, strengthening communities, and enhancing the quality of life for the University. Learn more about diversity at the University in future installments of Spotlight on Diversity.

UR/Paychex Leadership Institute

On Jan. 28, 89 undergraduates participated in the UR/Paychex Leadership Institute at the headquarters of Paychex in Penfield, N.Y. Organized by the Rochester Center for Community Leadership, the institute enhances the leadership capabilities of undergraduate students through skill-based workshops and discussions surrounding leadership issues. Students attending the institute were able to network with peers, presenters, and other dignitaries in attendance. Participants were nominated by faculty and staff, and we selected through a competitive application process. Read more...

Student Planning Service Trips for Spring Break

“Alternative spring break” trips immerse students in diverse environments, allowing them to experience, reflect upon, and comprehend social issues in a significant way. For spring break 2012, Rochester students are planning four different service trips that will engage students with communities in Rochester, Montreal, Baltimore, and Goldsboro, N.C. Trips are planned with advisement from the Rochester Center for Community Leadership in the Office of the Dean of Students. Read more...

Rochester Shines in the Summertime

In addition to the variety of courses
offered through the College during the summer, on-campus activities and
off-campus events and festivals provide plenty to do when studying is
done. Course registration begins April 9. For more information, visit the Office of Summer and Part-time Studies website. Summer housing information will be available shortly. If you have questions, call (585) 275-2345, or email osp@mail.rochester.edu.

Dinner Supports Peruvian Community Development Group

On Saturday, Feb. 25, GlobeMed is hosting a benefit dinner themed “Hope in Health: the Next Generation of Leaders.” All proceeds benefit Kallpa Iquitos, a grassroots community development organization in Iquitos, Peru. The dinner will feature speakers from Discovering Deaf Worlds and the GlobeMed National Office. The catered dinner will be held in the grand ballroom of The Meliora at 5:30 pm. Tickets cost $10 for Rochester undergraduates and $15 for others. You can RSVP, purchase tickets, or donate to the cause online. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

ADVICE

Hurry Up and Advise Me

While
the Millennial Generation comes to college with a significant will to
achieve, the rush of trying to get everything done often leaves limited
time to spend contemplating some of the “big” college questions such as
“what should I major in?” Marcy Kraus, dean of freshmen and director of
the College Center for Academic Support, offers advice on how students
can make the most of an advisement session. Read more ...

In a speech that quoted extensively from works by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Kanye West, author, MSNBC political commentator, and Georgetown professor Michael Eric Dyson presented the MLK Commemorative Address Jan. 27. See photo and video highlights from the event.

The 2013 Class Council and Aramark food services joined forces to attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous taco chain. Watch the video and see the photos here.

Books Spring to Life

Spring to Life: Movable Books & Mechanical Devices is a new exhibit on display through Aug. 17 in the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections and Preservation at Rush Rhees Library. The display features more than 50 examples of pop-up books, interactive mechanisms, and feats of paper engineering spanning nearly 500 years of the movable book. Watch the video...

About Parents Buzz

Parents Buzz is produced by University Communications, Parent Relations, and the Parents Program. It is emailed monthly to parents of undergraduates in the College and at the Eastman School of Music. View issues online at www.rochester.edu/parentsbuzz. Direct feedback and questions to parentsbuzz@rochester.edu.

ONE OF WORLD’S ‘MOST POWERFUL THINKERS’ TO VISIT ROCHESTER
Named by Forbes magazine in 2009 as one of the world’s seven most powerful thinkers, Kwame Anthony Appiah will visit the University from Feb. 21 to 24 to lecture and participate in workshops and group discussions with the campus community. Read more...

CALENDAR

Parents: You’re Always Welcome

Parents of current College and Eastman students, as members of the University community, are regularly invited to regional alumni programs. Visit the regional calendar for details and registration information.